November 18, 2003
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today attacked the Republican energy bill, a measure that repeals consumer protection regulations, harms the environment, and serves as a billion-dollar handout for the nation’s fossil-fuel and nuclear industry. Democrats were largely excluded from participating in the conference process on the bill.
At the center of a bill is a Republican effort to reward big energy companies with tax breaks and production subsidies totaling $416 billion.
“This bill is a failure in process and policy,” said Lee. “The Republican majority has steamrolled concerns, facts, and opposition, all to benefit powerful energy industries at the expense of American people.”
The Republican energy plan also poses an enormous threat to our nation’s air quality, drinking water, and public lands. Of particular interest to Californians is that the bill protects MTBE producers from product liability lawsuits. The gasoline additive, which is leaking out of storage tanks, has contaminated groundwater supplies in numerous California communities. MTBE is a known carcinogen.
That leakage – and the Republicans’ willingness to reward MTBE companies -- will cause catastrophic harm to the public health and the public interest.
“This bill will damage American’s environment, endanger the health of Americans, and hurt American taxpayers,” said Lee.
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Congresswoman Barbara Lee Opposes Republican Energy Bill
Bill would repeal consumer protections, damage environment, and protect big energy companies
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today attacked the Republican energy bill, a measure that repeals consumer protection regulations, harms the environment, and serves as a billion-dollar handout for the nation’s fossil-fuel and nuclear industry. Democrats were largely excluded from participating in the conference process on the bill.
At the center of a bill is a Republican effort to reward big energy companies with tax breaks and production subsidies totaling $416 billion.
“This bill is a failure in process and policy,” said Lee. “The Republican majority has steamrolled concerns, facts, and opposition, all to benefit powerful energy industries at the expense of American people.”
The Republican energy plan also poses an enormous threat to our nation’s air quality, drinking water, and public lands. Of particular interest to Californians is that the bill protects MTBE producers from product liability lawsuits. The gasoline additive, which is leaking out of storage tanks, has contaminated groundwater supplies in numerous California communities. MTBE is a known carcinogen.
That leakage – and the Republicans’ willingness to reward MTBE companies -- will cause catastrophic harm to the public health and the public interest.
“This bill will damage American’s environment, endanger the health of Americans, and hurt American taxpayers,” said Lee.
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